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West Fork of the North Fork

At the north end of the parking lot is a sign for the West Fork trail. From there, it’s a short walk to a trail sign and stream. Cross the stream (a log should be in place to cross it), and sign in at the registration box.

At 1 mile, pass the junction to the left for the Amber Gulch trail. Hiking very close to the stream, stay on the main trail; it then turns away from the stream and goes uphill.

At 2.5 miles, the trail appears to cross the river. Continue on the same side you’ve been hiking, turn away from the river and climb a dry creek bed just beyond a group of trees. Continue cross-country for about 150 yards until you reach a cairn (mound of rocks) that brings you back to section of well-defined trail.

Continue upstream (west) at the rocks and hike through the trees on a good trail. At 3.5 miles, the trail fades in the glacier-carved upper valley. Find a place to stop near the creek or in the wildflower filled meadow.

Directions:
From Ketchum, drive north on Highway 75 for 8 miles to the main building of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Take a right onto North Fork Road and continue past the parking area for 5 miles. The road ends in a parking area by the river. Begin your hike here.

Location: Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness,  Boulder-White  Clouds
Status:  Designated wilderness
Maps:  Sawtooth  National Forest, SNRA, Ketchum & Fairfield Districts

Location

Boulder-White Clouds

Distance

7 miles round trip

Elevation

1,700 ft

Difficulty

Moderate

Maps

USGS Amber Lakes

Status

Proposed Wilderness

More Info

Day Hiking Near Sun Valley